Heavy overnight rain gave way to a blustery but dry morning just in time for the start of our ride. We rode along Colston Road and on to the Cider Press Centre at Dartington where we settled into Cranks vegetarian restaurant for a range of scones and fruit juice concoctions. The riverside cycle path gave us excellent views of the swollen river Dart, culminating in the weir which had been transformed into a raging torrent.

Kane was beginning to struggle as we climbed the hill towards Rattery, but he splashed bravely onwards through the lakes that straddled the lanes, bringing us home by 1.45 for an afternoon social at Crofters.

[Report and pictures to follow.]

[Report and pictures to follow]

[Report and pictures to follow]

Osian was slower than usual on his first day ride, so our outward ride through Ashburton and Bickington was somewhat delayed. He picked up on the climb to Ilsington however, and we arrived at the hotel by 12.20, leaving us plenty of time to enjoy the pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room before settling down for our three-course meal. Gavin lost some pool time because he had to fix a puncture!

The meal itself was generally good, as this year everyone could choose from a full lunchtime menu. Keir, of course, was the most difficult to please, so the staff had to offer him chicken instead of turkey! Afterwards there was coffee and mints in front of the huge open fire, during which time Joe learned that he had just beaten Keir to the 2004/2005 attendance trophy.

The ride home was mainly downhill and, consequently, chilly, but Osian had found new energy after his meal so we made it back to Buckfastleigh before dark.

With excellent weather encouraging us and several new bikes in the group we decided to ride to Fermoys for the first ride of 2006. We got as far as Staverton before Josh's new bike developed a problem with the bottom bracket that couldn't be fixed on the road. Josh was understandably disappointed that his new bike had failed after just a week, and sadly he had to wait to be collected by his father.

The rest of the group continued through Torbryan to Ipplepen where the garden centre was crowded with shoppers eager to buy up the hugely discounted Christmas gifts. After we had enjoyed some excellent refreshments Dennis and Kane were still ready for more, so we extended the ride by continuing on to Denbury and then investigating the prison there - a path through the grounds gave us all a good view of the layout of the complex which turned out to be much larger than any of us had imagined!

Our final route home took us through Woodland and Landscove. Many congratulations to both our younger riders who amazed us all with their high speed and enthusiasm! It looks like we'll be able to ride longer and farther on future rides!

As a reward we organised a social trip to Plymouth to watch the new Narnia film - and of course Josh was allowed to come!

Everyone started the ride with enthusiasm today despite the cold weather. We climbed Dean hill which warmed everyone up, and then the snowflakes started to fall. Even then the youngsters were keen to do an adventurous ride, so we changed direction and headed up the hill towards Gidleigh Bridge.

By the time we reached the top the snow was quite heavy and all the youngsters wanted to head for home once the group photo had been taken. The descent to Nurston made everyone even colder, so the warm Crofters clubroom was particularly welcome when we arrived.